Ruminal fermentation and methane emissions of corn silage harvested at the R4 and R5 phenological stages

Roselia Ramírez Díaz, Rene Pinto Ruiz, Francisco Javier Medina Jonapá, Adalberto Hernández López, Deb Raj Aryal, Luis Fernando Molina Paniagua

Abstract


Background: Corn silage is widely used in ruminant feeding; however, the ruminal utilization depends on the physiological stage at which the ensiling process is carried out. Objective: To evaluate the effect of corn silage harvested at the R4 and R5 phenological stages on ruminal fermentation and methane emissions. Methodology: Temperature and pH analyses were performed, as well as evaluations of chemical composition, starch content, fermentation, ruminal degradation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Results: Temperature and pH were not found to differ between treatments (P>0.05). However, differences were observed in chemical composition, with higher dry matter and organic matter content in T2, while T1 showed higher ash and neutral detergent fiber content (P<0.05). The reproductive stage of corn influenced starch concentration. In terms of fermentation, T2 had the highest maximum gas volume, while T1 showed a higher fermentation rate (P<0.05). Likewise, the rapid fermentation fraction was higher in T1, while the medium and slow fermentations were higher in T2. In vitro dry matter degradation, T1 obtained the highest values. The corn harvest stage affects GHG emissions, with T2 recording the highest values (P<0.05). Implications: The phenological stage of corn during ensiling impacts ruminal fermentation and GHG emissions. Conclusion: Ensiling corn at the R4 physiological stage achieves better ruminal degradation and efficiency, reducing GHG emissions.

Keywords


Corn silage; fermentation parameters; methane.

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v28i3.62546

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6254

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